Six local hiking trails to traverse this fall

When you think about fun outdoor activities in Baton Rouge, hiking probably isn’t one of the first things that comes to mind. It should be.

Sure, you won’t find much change in elevation. But you will find the kinds of beautiful scenery only southern Louisiana can offer. Just make sure to pack some bug spray.

LEARNING TREE TRAIL
Ideal for beginners, dog-walkers and leisurely strollers, the Learning Tree Trail is one of the easiest hiking options in Baton Rouge. It’s mostly paved and the tall trees that line it offer plenty of shade. If you’re still hungry for more after you complete the trail, don’t worry—several of the Botanic Gardens’ lengthier trails stem from it. Read on for those.

Length: 0.5 miles, loop
Difficulty: Easy
Where: LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens, 4560 Essen Lane

PALMETTO TRAIL
The Palmetto Trail is one of the trails that can be accessed through the Learning Tree Trail. Relatively short and simple, it’s another trail ideal for relaxing strolls. Depending on the time of year, you may come across wildflowers as you go.

Length: 0.6 miles, out-and-back
Difficulty: Easy
Where: LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens

BLACK SWAMP TRAIL
Arguably the Botanic Gardens’ most scenic trail, the Black Swamp Trail offers gorgeous views of a tupelo swamp and plenty of information on the variety of plants and trees you’ll encounter. You’ll definitely want to see this one through—a wooden boardwalk takes you on a tour through the swamp toward the end of the trail.

Length: 2.2 miles, out-and-back
Difficulty: Easy
Where: LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens

BLUEBONNET SWAMP NATURE CENTER
Well-developed and highly trafficked, the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center Trail is ideal for families. It offers scenic swamp views as well as the chance to spot snakes, turtles, deer and more.

Length: 1.25 miles, loop
Difficulty: Easy
Where: Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center, 10503 N. Oak Hills Parkway

COMITE PARK TRAIL
Whereas most of the trails in the Red Stick are defined as “nature trails” (well-paved, well-marked), Baton Rouge also has a few “primitive trails” to satisfy those looking for a more traditional hiking experience. The Comite Park Trail is one example—it’s a much narrower, more rugged path that cuts through the dense woodlands near the Comite River.

Length: 4.9 miles, loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Where: Comite River Park, 8900 Hooper Road

HOOPER ROAD PARK TRAIL
Just down the road from Comite Park, the Hooper Road Park Trail is Baton Rouge’s ultimate primitive trail. Many sections are slightly overgrown, and it’s marked less consistently than others in the area. This one is for confident, experienced hikers who don’t mind getting their clothes dirty.

Length: 3.9 miles, loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Where: Hooper Road Park, 6261 Guynell Drive

RARE BIRDS

Birds you can spot on local nature trails

Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center

Summer: white ibis, prothonotary warbler, great crested flycatcher, ruby-throated hummingbird
Winter: great-horned owl, white-throated sparrow, gray catbird, cedar waxwing
Year-Round: pileated woodpecker, barred owl

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Highland Road Park (14024 Highland Road), Comite River Park and Hooper Road Park

Summer: red-shouldered hawk, white-eyed vireo, Kentucky warbler, hooded Warbler

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Blackwater Conservation Area (Hooper and Blackwater roads)

Summer: red-shouldered hawk, anhinga, roseate spoonbill, wood stork, painted and indigo bunting
Winter: white-throated sparrow, gray catbird, forster’s tern, orange-crowned warbler

This article was originally published in the October 2018 issue of 225 Magazine.